How to give people a natural smile for the camera?

RichBHP

RichBHP

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Richard
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I find when doing weddings I have a hard time coming up with things to say to make people to make people smile / laugh, particularly the large group shots. Sometimes I can get away with something spontaneous off the cuff that can relax people and bring out a natural smile (always the best of course!) but other times I can’t find anything and struggle to know what to say. Does this happen to anyone else?

I just wondered if anyone has any backup tricks they keep in mind for such occasions?

Also any favourites the bride and groom shots?

All suggestions would be gratefully appreciated! :)
 
Well I have one that you wont be able to replicate, Richard!!

I was wearing a longish flowing skirt while photographing a wedding.. just got the full group into shot and the wind caught my skirt and blew it up!!

Never had so many smiles in one shot!! :D




:lol:
 
"Two monkeys in the bath..." :whistling:

Seriously, I think it's something that comes from being comfortable with the couple and experienced enough to a) have a phrase bank and b) trust whatever's going to come out of your mouth.

Portraits and kids work is easier because the banter can be a bit more, well, like banter.

I guess you could try the skirt thing and take it from there depending on reaction :shrug:
 
Janice said:
Well I have one that you wont be able to replicate, Richard!!

I was wearing a longish flowing skirt while photographing a wedding.. just got the full group into shot and the wind caught my skirt and blew it up!!

Never had so many smiles in one shot!! :D

:lol:
Click to expand...


Scottish kilt should do the trick then?
 
For couples I generally build up the rapport before trying to get them to relax - less shots, more general chit chat, and also tell them to ignore me as I'm setting up the camera, then take shots when they aren't expecting it

For big group shots my main problem is how far apart they stand, so I generally ask them to get closer "as though you have actually met" - that generally gets them close and makes them laugh
 
Rather than "Cheese", ask them to say "Lesbian".
 
If someone is having trouble smiling and it's looking forced, get them to puff out their cheeks and release the air. If they smile after that it looks a lot more natural. Another one is to ask them to blow a raspberry but this often results in laughter not just a smile, although that can work for groups.

I photographed one wedding where the bride was very nervous and her forced smile looked as though she was sucking lemons. She accidentally knocked one of my lenses over and said "sorry", the following smile was lovely and so natural. Throughout her wedding day she then mouthed "sorry" to me and followed it with that lovely smile. I don't think any of the guests noticed.
 
ask them to whistle god save the queen
 
I just said after my count of 3 throw your arms in the air and shout Hooray! Look at all the expressions!!!

2006_0827bownweddingday0157.jpg
 
That’s the best technique ever Janice, not something you can use again and again though, well especially for me :)

A phrase bank sounds like something I need.

I’m not sure I have the courage to say ‘shout Lesbian’ Nod but if they are a tough audience…

Saying ‘It’s not a funeral’ should be in a runner up but so far I think my favourite suggestion is simply ‘Hooray!’

I have my next wedding on Friday so I’ll let you know what happens. Any other last minute ideas will be welcome :)

Ps OneTen you definitely pulled there mate!
 
Tell them that you swear to god you'll kill yourself if they don't smile and that this time you mean you mean it by Christ you swear you'll do it this time.

It, er ... it does have the downside of you having to kill yourself if they don't smile, obviously.
 
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